Carriers announced general rate increases that span into February this week, as spot rates around the globe respond to mid-December rate hikes. Drewry Maritime Research’s World Container Index composite index, which measures 11 East-to-West trade lanes, jumped a cumulative 35.8 percent this week.

Carriers announced GRIs this week for several major trade lanes, all effective on Jan. 15. Spot rates on Drewry Maritime Research’s World Container Index composite index, which measures 11 East-to-West trade lanes, has dropped 23.5 percent in the five weeks since Nov. 6.

Multiple container lines have planned general rate increases in numerous trade lanes in October and November, although any gains achieved could be temporary as overcapacity and sluggish global demand continue.

Containerized exports from Asia to Europe and North America increased year-over-year in August, but spot rates in the Asia-to-Europe and North America trade lanes dropped, according to Container Trade Statistics.